CANADA’S NEW GOVERNMENT HELPS ATLANTIC BALLET THEATRE COMPETE ON INTERNATIONAL STAGE

October 05, 2006 -
Moncton, New Brunswick

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As the Atlantic Ballet Theatre of Canada undertakes final preparations for the world premiere of its original ballet Phantom of the Opera, Canada’s New Government today announced an investment of $440, 882 to help the Company mount its fifth full-length original ballet while ensuring production standards necessary to compete on the international stage.

The project is the cornerstone to the Atlantic Ballet Theatre’s export strategy as it moves into the international touring market.

“Canada’s New Government recognizes the importance of culture not only as a vital part of this country’s social fabric, but also in terms of its economic potential,” said the Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Regional Minister for New Brunswick. “Our government has invested in cultural enterprises to help them grow, thrive and contribute,” added Minister Thompson on behalf of the Honourable Peter MacKay Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).

“This kind of substantial support from ACOA has made a significant contribution to ensuring that the Atlantic Ballet Theatre of Canada continues to develop as a world class ballet company with high artistic and production standards,” explained Company Founder Susan Chalmers-Gauvin. “Our performance schedule this year is 45 productions in seven provinces, the Southern United States and Europe. With this kind of exposure we anticipate even greater demand and opportunities in the future,” she continued.

Established in 2001, the Atlantic Ballet Theatre of Canada is the only professional ballet company in Atlantic Canada. Its mandate is to enrich the cultural fabric of the region and, from that home base, to present international-calibre ballet performances to dance audiences throughout the world.